PTI criticized for dividing national security efforts in Punjab

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party on Wednesday. She accused PTI of creating divisions on national security issues and not showing unity in the fight against terrorism. Aurangzeb pointed out that PTI did not attend a meeting of the National Security Parliamentary Committee. She emphasized that national security is a concern for the entire nation, not just one party. The minister also slammed PTI leader Imran Khan for failing to develop a solid counter-terrorism strategy during his time in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Many leaders from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have criticized PTI's choice to skip the critical security meeting, labeling it an "anti-state" decision. Aurangzeb mentioned that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, lacks decision-making power, which has delayed a provincial security plan in a region highly affected by terrorism. The minister affirmed that the current government is focused on combating terrorism and believes all provinces should enforce strict policies aligned with national security protocols. She noted that the previous PML-N administration played a significant role in fighting terrorism from 2013 to 2018 and reaffirmed the commitment of the Shehbaz Sharif government and military leaders to confront terrorist threats. Aurangzeb remarked that terrorists pose a threat to the state and should be addressed firmly. She criticized PTI for distancing itself from national concerns and misleading the public with false narratives. According to her, PTI leaders often blame the government for terrorist attacks while having failed to create effective counter-terrorism infrastructure. She urged the public to support the government and security forces in the battle against terrorism, highlighting that the security of Pakistan is a shared responsibility. Aurangzeb also called on the media to act responsibly, as they did in the past, to expose those who promote terrorist ideologies.